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Hello. First time ever using a forum, so bear with me. Have a 2016 f350 that I pull our food trailer with, and I am wanting to upgrade my rear leaf suspension. I do have airbags installed as well, but to keep truck level I have to run around 80 psi which I feel is too much. Would love any recommendations on where to look?
If your F350 is overloaded that badly (where you need 80 psi to 'level' it out) pulling that trailer, then you should really look into either (presuming it's a bumper pull) a WDH or rearranging the trailer...or stepping up to a dually if you don't already have one. There might be a spring package or two above whatever you currently have but that would be about it.
Also remember that these trucks are built to haul, and part of that design is for them to squat somewhat when loaded.
On most trucks I've ever owned I just add a couple factory leaves myself. This will increase load capacity considerably and is relatively inexpensive. You need a couple used packs and new u-bolts (easily made by any spring shop)
I am curious: are you pulling a gooseneck or bumper pull? How big is this trailer? Is this a 2wd or 4wd? Do you have upper overloads (an F350 should)?
I've been quite pleased with the stock leaf packs on my '11 F350 4x4 because it doesn't sag easily unlike most trucks
It is a bumper pull trailer. 32 foot long. I do not have any busted leafs and was wanting to add some leafs or replace the entire thing just not sure where to look
it’s is also a 4 wheel drive
Well if it were me I'd get some JY packs and Frankenpack it. Add the longest leafs you can. Longer = better ride quality and better load carrying ability. Short, heavily arched aftermarket AALs are dumb and won't last.
You'll probably still need the air bags but be much less reliant on them. And this does provide lift when not loaded. Probably 1 to 1.5" per leaf added
Ok thank you for the help I’ll see what I can find
If you don't want to do that, call a custom leaf manufacturer like Deaver. They can get you more load capacity, a better ride, rainbows AND unicorns, but be sitting down when you hear the price.
I thoroughly enjoy combining existing, used, inexpensive pieces to make something better (read: better for me and my needs), so I love Frankenpacking. Many people have no interest in turning a wrench, and that's fine -- everything in life is a compromise: time, money, effort, interest etc
summo springs...which come in various reverse spring load ratings. summo springs are progressive. the size of coffee cans and you dont have to air them up.
So, I just happened to be servicing a '14 F350 4x4 6.7 last night. I noticed they had added airbags and it caused me to compare the leaf pack to my '11 F350 4x4 6.2. I came to realize that the reason I love the rear suspension so much is that somebody already Frankenpacked it! I'm ashamed to say I've owned it since 2017 and just came to this realization!!
First, here's my '11 F350 4x4 6.2:
And here's the '14 F350 4x4 6.7:
I think we can agree aside from gasser vs diesel they are VERY similar trucks.
Here's the stock pack on a '14 F350 4x4 6.7. Only two leafs plus one lower overload and the upper overload. This is dismal for a one ton and no wonder they needed airbags:
Here's what a factory spring clamp should look like:
Now here's my modded Frankenpack on my '11. Note FOUR leaves plus lower overload plus upper overload. This thing handles weight with aplomb, I love it!
Here's my spring clamps. Definitely not factory. Looks like they tried to join the flat bar and do a fat spot weld. There's no reason for this -- you can even leave the clamps with just vertical sides and open on top -- a trick rock crawlers have done for decades to allow the leaves to fan apart during droop
